Elihu's Speech
Chapter 32 to 37
Elihu was angered by Job and his friends (32:1-5)
Eliphaz, Bildad and Zofar gave up arguing with Job because he would not admit to any wrongdoing. There was no answer to what he had said.
Elihu was a much younger man who had been listening to the discourses, and, noticing the silence, declared himself angry with them all. Against Job because he justified himself rather than God, and the others because they had no answer, having condemned Job.
He apologised for entering the discussion (32:6-22)
Though at first shy of entering into argument with his seniors, Elihu realised that not all great men are wise, nor do older men necessarily understand justice.
Elihu recognised that only the inspiration of the Almighty could give understanding to man. This meant that there is only one sure authority, and that is the Word of God.
Elihu was preparing the way for God to answer. Although he himself did not really have the answer, he recognised that these other men did not have it either. But he had to speak to relieve his mind.
He asked Job to listen to what he had to say ( 33:1-7)
Elihu declared that he honestly wished to be helpful, he had an upright heart, pure knowledge, he owed his life to God, he could be an intermediary for Job, and Job need not fear a man like himself.
Because of His greatness, God need not explain His ways to man (33:8-13)
Elihu had paid attention to what had been said before, and had heard Job say he considered himself innocent and found fault with God because of His enmity. He reproached Job by saying that God is greater than man and is not responsible to man. Job needed to understand that God is not accountable for His actions.
God spoke to men in visions (33:14-18)
In those days, when the Word of God had yet been given to man in its entirety like we have it now, God spoke to people by means of visions and dreams. Elihu reminded Job of this.
We need not trust any dream we have today for this, but it is just possible that He still does sometimes speak in this way to those who have not been reached by His word in faraway places.
God speaks to man through afflictions (33:19-33)
God's discipline is as real today as it was in those days, to His people. Elihu spoke of its reality and its purpose of redeeming men's souls "from the pit" and bringing light into their life.
When disease is about to end a man's life, God sends him a mediator to show God's righteousness and God is gracious to Him and provides a ransom. He will then pray to God, and He will delight in him, he shall see His face with joy, for He restores to man His righteousness. It causes man to return to God and to acknowledge his own sinfulness.
Elihu described here the operation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ very accurately for those early days.
Elihu reproached Job for saying that it is of no advantage for man to delight in God ( 34:1-9)
Elihu asked all of them to pay attention to what he had to say, for it was important and worth listening to: "as we like to taste something good, let's hear something that is good."
Job had been saying that he was righteous and that God hadn't been fair to him: he had contracted an incurable disease yet hadn't done anything to deserve it.
Job had despised the chastening of the LORD and this attitude removed him far from God. Then he began to faint under the chastening -- we are not to faint when we are rebuked of Him. God is doing all this to accomplish a good purpose in our lives. In this Job had joined the workers of iniquity, who are in rebellion against God.
The omnipotent God cannot be unjust (34:10-30)
God will never do evil, or pervert justice. He repays and rewards man according to his actions, for he has a concern for him. He could destroy all of mankind instantly, but it pleases Him to rule over mankind with impartiality.
Man must humble himself before God (34:31-37)
Job had been speaking foolishly and deserved to be tried for speaking against God, adding rebellion to his sin.
Comparison is not to be made with God, for our good or evil cannot extend to Him (35:1-8).
When Job said that he was righteous and was suffering in spite of this, the inference was that God was wrong. No good or evil we do on earth can affect God in any way. Only other men.
Many cry in their afflictions, but are not heard for lack of faith (Ch. 35:9-16).
Man will not seek God, his Maker, the Source of happiness, knowledge and wisdom, yet cries out when in trouble. God will not answer because of his pride and wickedness. Empty talk is useless before Him. He will do justice in His own time.
Elihu shows how God is just in His ways (36:1-23)
Elihu proceeded to defend God, in his limited knowledge of Him (even we have only a limited knowledge of the infinite God). He mentioned His righteousness, knowledge, understanding, justice, majesty, judgement, instruction, promises, threats, anger, deliverance, punishment, sovereignty.
God's works are to magnified (36:24-37:13)
Nature gives evidence of God's greatness and power, which we should remember to proclaim. Elihu stressed God's sovereignty over all of nature as a reminder of his sovereignty over our lives. God is in control: He directs, preserves, and maintains His created order. Although we can't see it, God is divinely governing the moral and political affairs of people as well. By spending time observing the majestic and intricate parts of God's creation, we can be reminded of His power in every aspect of our lives.
God is to be feared because of His great works (37:14-24)
Elihu asked Job whether he should then be arguing with the Almighty God, who is so superior in all things. Sarcastically, he asks Job to teach what to say to Him, in His awesome majesty. The Almighty cannot be found such is His power, judgement and justice; yet He does not oppress any man.
R David Jones
Chapter 32
1 So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.2 Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God.3 Also against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.4 Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job.5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was aroused.6 So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: "I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you.7 I said, 'Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.'8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.9 Great men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice.10 "Therefore I say, 'Listen to me, I also will declare my opinion.'11 Indeed I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say.12 I paid close attention to you; And surely not one of you convinced Job, Or answered his words - 13 Lest you say, 'We have found wisdom'; God will vanquish him, not man.14 Now he has not directed his words against me; So I will not answer him with your words.15 "They are dismayed and answer no more; Words escape them.16 And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more.17 I also will answer my part, I too will declare my opinion.18 For I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me.19 Indeed my belly is like wine that has no vent; It is ready to burst like new wineskins.20 I will speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man.22 For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.
Chapter 33
1 "But please, Job, hear my speech, And listen to all my words.2 Now, I open my mouth; My tongue speaks in my mouth.3 My words come from my upright heart; My lips utter pure knowledge.4 The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.5 If you can answer me, Set your words in order before me; Take your stand.6 Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay.7 Surely no fear of me will terrify you, Nor will my hand be heavy on you.8 "Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your words, saying,9 'I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me.10 Yet He finds occasions against me, He counts me as His enemy;11 He puts my feet in the stocks, He watches all my paths.'12 "Look, in this you are not righteous. I will answer you, For God is greater than man.13 Why do you contend with Him? For He does not give an accounting of any of His words.14 For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it.15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds,16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.17 In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man,18 He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.19 "Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones,20 So that his life abhors bread, And his soul succulent food.21 His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones stick out which once were not seen.22 Yes, his soul draws near the Pit, And his life to the executioners.23 "If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness,24 Then He is gracious to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom';25 His flesh shall be young like a child's, He shall return to the days of his youth.26 He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness.27 Then he looks at men and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.'28 He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light.29 "Behold, God works all these things, Twice, in fact, three times with a man,30 To bring back his soul from the Pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life.31 "Give ear, Job, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will speak.32 If you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you.33 If not, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom."
Chapter 34
1 Elihu further answered and said:2 "Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.3 For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food.4 Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good.5 "For Job has said, 'I am righteous, But God has taken away my justice;6 Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'7 What man is like Job, Who drinks scorn like water,8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men?9 For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing That he should delight in God.'10 "Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.11 For He repays man according to his work, And makes man to find a reward according to his way.12 Surely God will never do wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.13 Who gave Him charge over the earth? Or who appointed Him over the whole world?14 If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,15 All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.16 "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to the sound of my words:17 Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?18 Is it fitting to say to a king, 'You are worthless,' And to nobles, 'You are wicked'?19 Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands.20 In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; The people are shaken and pass away; The mighty are taken away without a hand.21 "For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.22 There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.23 For He need not further consider a man, That he should go before God in judgement.24 He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place.25 Therefore he knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, And they are crushed.26 He strikes them as wicked men In the open sight of others,27 Because they turned back from Him, And would not consider any of His ways,28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted.29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone? - 30 That the hypocrite should not reign, Lest the people be ensnared.31 "For has anyone said to God, 'I have borne chastening; I will offend no more;32 Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more'?33 Should He repay it according to your terms, Just because you disavow it? You must choose, and not I; Therefore speak what you know.34 "Men of understanding say to me, Wise men who listen to me:35 'Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom.'36 Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost, Because his answers are like those of wicked men!37 For he adds rebellion to his sin; He claps his hands among us, And multiplies his words against God."
Chapter 35
1 Moreover Elihu answered and said:2 "Do you think this is right? Do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's'?3 For you say, 'What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?'4 "I will answer you, And your companions with you.5 Look to the heavens and see; And behold the clouds - They are higher than you.6 If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him?7 If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand?8 Your wickedness affects a man such as you, And your righteousness a son of man.9 "Because of the multitude of oppressions they cry out; They cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty.10 But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night,11 Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, And makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?'12 There they cry out, but He does not answer, Because of the pride of evil men.13 Surely God will not listen to empty talk, Nor will the Almighty regard it.14 Although you say you do not see Him, Yet justice is before Him, and you must wait for Him.15 And now, because He has not punished in His anger, Nor taken much notice of folly,16 Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain; He multiplies words without knowledge."
Chapter 36
1 Elihu also proceeded and said:2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you That there are yet words to speak on God's behalf.3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.4 For truly my words are not false; One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.5 "Behold, God is mighty, but despises no one; He is mighty in strength of understanding.6 He does not preserve the life of the wicked, But gives justice to the oppressed.7 He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous; But they are on the throne with kings, For He has seated them forever, And they are exalted.8 And if they are bound in fetters, Held in the cords of affliction,9 Then He tells them their work and their transgressions - That they have acted defiantly.10 He also opens their ear to instruction, And commands that they turn from iniquity.11 If they obey and serve Him, They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures.12 But if they do not obey, They shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.13 "But the hypocrites in heart store up wrath; They do not cry for help when He binds them.14 They die in youth, And their life ends among the perverted persons.15 He delivers the poor in their affliction, And opens their ears in oppression.16 "Indeed He would have brought you out of dire distress, Into a broad place where there is no restraint; And what is set on your table would be full of richness.17 But you are filled with the judgement due the wicked; Judgement and justice take hold of you.18 Because there is wrath, beware lest He take you away with one blow; For a large ransom would not help you avoid it.19 Will your riches, Or all the mighty forces, Keep you from distress?20 Do not desire the night, When people are cut off in their place.21 Take heed, do not turn to iniquity, For you have chosen this rather than affliction.22 "Behold, God is exalted by His power; Who teaches like Him?23 Who has assigned Him His way, Or who has said, 'You have done wrong'?24 "Remember to magnify His work, Of which men have sung.25 Everyone has seen it; Man looks on it from afar.26 "Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered.27 For He draws up drops of water, Which distil as rain from the mist,28 Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man.29 Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, The thunder from His canopy?30 Look, He scatters his light upon it, And covers the depths of the sea.31 For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance.32 He covers His hands with lightning, And commands it to strike.33 His thunder declares it, The cattle also, concerning the rising storm.
Chapter 37
1 "At this also my heart trembles, And leaps from its place.2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, And the rumbling that comes from His mouth.3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth.4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard.5 God thunders marvellously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend.6 For He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth'; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.7 He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work.8 The beasts go into dens, And remain in their lairs.9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north.10 By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen.11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds.12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth.13 He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy.14 "Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.15 Do you know when God dispatches them, And causes the light of His cloud to shine?16 Do you know how the clouds are balanced, Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?17 Why are your garments hot, When He quiets the earth by the south wind?18 With Him, have you spread out the skies, Strong as a cast metal mirror?19 "Teach us what we should say to Him, For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness.20 Should He be told that I wish to speak? If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up.21 Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies, When the wind has passed and cleared them.22 He comes from the north as golden splendour; With God is awesome majesty.23 As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, In judgement and abundant justice; He does not oppress.24 Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart."